Vehicle will turn on but will not start?

KMARSH

MEMBER
1999 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
175,000 MILES

The lights/radio will turn on, but the engine sometimes won’t start. I read other replies to posts on this website and luckily SaturnTech9 saved me from being stranded when I tried pushing the gas pedal all the way down while starting it. Does this mean my fuel pump is going bad? I appreciate all that you guys do!

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 1:23 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,101 POSTS

Is that what is happening now? Do you have to press the throttle to the floor for it to start? If that is the case, it is flooding and that is how it's cleared.

Or is it presently cranking, and the engine will not run?

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 7:55 PM

KMARSH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the reply. So, to give you a little back story, the car had no previous issues until about 1 week ago, it left me stranded in Pueblo, and since I had been told it was likely the fuel pump. I was just going to sell it. But the 1st guy that came to look at it, got it start and I knew he had done something different than I did to get it to start but he wouldn’t tell me what. He offered me like $350.00 which was laughable. Anyways it actually continued to run fine until yesterday, when it had trouble starting again which is when I found this site/ and just tried what one of the mechanics had recommended which was starting it while pressing down the gas pedal. And it’s again been running and starting just fine since then without having to press the gas pedal to the floor. Is it fine to continue using the car and just use the gas pedal to start if needed? Because if it’s a bigger problem, I would obviously like to get it taken care of before it leaves me stranded for good. I greatly appreciate your help! ;)

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Thursday, March 9th, 2023 AT 10:55 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,101 POSTS

Hi,

If it is running properly, it should be fine. The idea that the throttle needs to be pressed to the floor indicates it may be getting too much fuel at that time. This can result from a failing fuel pressure regulator.

When this happens, have you ever noticed an odd smell or dark smoke from the exhaust when it first starts? Also, is the check engine light staying on while the engine is running?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 9th, 2023 AT 8:27 PM

KMARSH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe,
So, the service engine soon light has been on since I bought the car in Dec 2021. As far as smells go- I haven’t noticed anything, however my bf did say he thought there was more smoke coming from the exhaust when I started it the other day, but he didn’t mention darker. Does that matter? And as for fuel pressure regulator - should I get a new one? Or is it fine to press the gas pedal to floor to start it whenever necessary? Thank you again very much for your help. ;-)
-Kate

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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 10:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,101 POSTS

Hi,

As far as the exhaust smoke, if it is darker gray/black, it usually indicates a very rich fuel mixture. That would explain the hard start and that could point us in the direction of the regulator. If it was white, thick smoke, that could indicate a head gasket issue, and blue smoke indicates oil being burned.

As far as repairs, they should be done when you can. If you want to, here is a link that explains how to test fuel pressure and the regulator. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you,

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I attached the manufacturer's pressure specifications below.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)